Main menu

London has been experiencing a heatwave lately and I am loving it! One of the best places to escape the city and cool off in the clouds is Sushisamba. It is located on the 40th floor of Heron Tower just by Liverpool Street tube station. The only way to reach the restaurant is through a glass elevator that ascends along the exterior wall of the building. (It made me audibly yelp the first time I rode in it so hold on if you are faint of heart). You must make a reservation if dining in the restaurant as it is quite the hot spot. The food itself is a combination of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines most of which is all served as small plates so best for sharing with your table. I highly recommend if you are unable to get a table to just go for a drink as you can linger at their outdoor bar and have some of the best views of London. Also if you can’t make it out to an amusement park you could just get your thrills by taking a few rides up and down in their elevator….. Cheers!

I first came to know of Butler & Wilson through a friendly vintage jewellery dealer who had an assortment of fabulous brooches that I was eyeing. He told me the story of how the company was founded in 1969 and has grown over the years into an internationally recognised British brand. It was a favourite of Princess Diana who was often photographed wearing various brooches from their collections. Upon further exploration on my part I learned they have two physical locations in London and they do not disappoint. Practically every piece is adorned with swarovski crystals and they run the gamut from feminine floral earrings to statement necklaces dripping with skulls. My favourites in the shop are of course all the animal pieces they carry! (I am wearing one of their pieces here.) In addition to jewellery they have an amazing assortment of clutches, vintage dresses (mostly all which are covered in sequins…..amazing) and a bridal accessories line. Definitely worth a trip if you are looking for a little sparkle to jazz up an ensemble, or need a gift for the hard to shop for woman. Cheers!

When I first moved over to London a lobster roll was something that just did not exist. I sometimes joke with my British friends when we are discussing products or foods that have yet to make it across the pond from the USA, not to worry….. Crystal Pepsi? Oh you’ll probably get it in about 10 years. So it was to my absolute delight when Burger & lobster opened about a year ago in Mayfair, followed by one in Soho, and now their newly opened third location in Farringdon. The premise is simple. You can order a burger, a lobster, or a lobster roll all priced at £20. All are served with a simple green salad and a side of chips (french fries that require some serious restraint). On the number of times I have frequented the restaurant I have only ordered the lobster roll. I promise to branch out soon, but why mess with a good thing. My favourite of the three locations is the one in Soho (they also take reservations for parties of 6 or more). There is a nice openness to the space that does not make you feel quite so claustrophobic as all the locations tend to be quite packed. They have a large lobster tank and if you want to branch out from the menu you can order a 10lb lobster for £150 to share with your dining companions (maybe). I recommend showing up early, adding your name to the list at the door, leave your mobile number, and be ready to scoot when they ring you up with a free table. Cheers!

One of my favourite places on a lazy Sunday is Columbia Road Flower Market. It makes me feel as if I am stepping back in time to the when vegetable and fruit markets were the main source of shopping in London and men and women loudly hawked their wares, “Three for a fiver…. who’s buying?” If you are an insomniac like me it is best to get there early (they are usually assembled by 8am) if you want to steer clear of the crowds. It can become very congested and the space is tight. However if you do go later in the day the florists are more eager to sell off their goods so they slash prices and you can walk out with an armful of flowers for a few pounds. (Things tend to wind down around 3pm.) There are some great independent stores that line the road as well that are definitely worth checking out before you take your leave. Cheers!

This has become one of my favourite little vintage shops in London. The staff do a great job of editing the selection of men’s and women’s clothing to pay homage to the trends of the current season (without the high street price tag). It is a perfect place to start if you are looking for something specific be it plaid trousers, leather shorts or a new silk scarf. It is located in a fabulous area, The Seven Dials, so be sure to take an afternoon to wander the other great vintage and independent boutiques that are intermixed with high street chains such as Reiss, H&M, COS, etc. If you can not make a visit in person as luck would have it you can peruse their selection on the ASOS marketplace. Happy shopping! Cheers!